Closing of the Course

Winter brings many challenges to turfgrass survival, particularly in Michigan.  Extreme temperatures, random thaws, high winds and the potential for deep snow cover are only some of the issues golf course turf faces in the cold months.  Many things need to occur to officially "put the course to bed" that require a 7-10 day period before the ground has frozen. 

The first task being; protecting the turf from winter fungal diseases.  Two diseases are prevalent during these months, pink and grey snow mold.  Fungicides with months of persistence (longevity) are applied to greens, tees and fairways to prevent either of the two pathogens from taking hold.  The greens require even further protection, namely from crown hydration.  The turf grass species, Poa annua can break dormancy at the drop of a hat with a thaw and if this occurs mid-winter the plant will uptake water.  When the inevitable freeze happens again, the moisture retained in the crown will freeze and puncture cell walls and membranes, effectively killing the plant.  To combat this problem, the crew buries the greens under .25"-.3" of sand and aerifies with solid tines.  These channels of sand allow water to move deeper into the soil profile, away from the delicate crowns of the plant.  A large majority of the sand still remains on the surface, protecting the greens from wind dessication as well.  Some greens require further protection through the use of winter covers.  These cover compose of a layer of bubble wrap (to allow air movement) and a heavy tarp over the bubble wrap to control the amount of moisture the green receives and protect them even further from dry northern winds.  These measures are necessary because of the type of turf that compromises Meadowbrook's greens.  Members may have noted that other clubs in the Detroit area do not require these cultural practices due to the fact that they have creeping bentgrass greens which will not break dormancy until spring.  Finally, a "dormant feed" is performed using a readily available source of nitrogen to provide the turf with enough nutrients to hit the ground running in the spring, but not enough for lush growth to occur.
As most members are probably aware by now, the large walnut trees behind the 18th green and next to the 9th green have been removed.  These trees failed a structural integrity evaluation in early fall due to cavities, poor architecture and rotting wood to name just a few issues.  Removal was recommended by two aborists, along with two other walnut trees on the 15th hole for similar reasons.  The removal of the trees and the resulting aesthetics of the holes are shown below. 

Cavities and Rotting Wood Present in Trunk of 9 Green Walnut



The weight of the limbs is poorly distributed

The "Fire Tree" behind the 18th Green

 

Other tree removals due to chemical damage or arborist recommendations will continue throughout the winter months, and the blog will be utilized to keep members up to date during this time period.  We hope everyone enjoys the holidays and will see you again in the spring.  Enjoy.